Oceanarium of Vladivostok, Public aquarium on Russky Island, Vladivostok, Russia
The Oceanarium is a modern aquarium on Russky Island with a distinctive shell-shaped building that holds over 10,000 aquatic creatures from around the world. Inside you find separate areas for different species, including sharks, rays, fish, dolphins, belugas, and freshwater animals organized by their natural environments.
The facility was founded in 1991 and has since become Russia's largest aquarium, playing an important role in marine research and conservation efforts. The building has been expanded several times since its opening to house the growing collection of species.
The facility serves as both a research institution and a place where people can learn about marine life through direct observation and interaction. Scientists working here share their knowledge through demonstrations and programs that happen throughout the day.
The facility is open Tuesday through Sunday with scheduled demonstrations and feeding sessions throughout the day for visitors to observe. Arriving in the morning is a good idea, as programs run regularly and the tanks are less crowded than later in the day.
A special attraction here is Misha the walrus, an animal visitors can interact with directly, along with programs like dancing with rays that let you get close to the creatures. These hands-on experiences make a visit more memorable than simply watching behind glass.
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